Nearly two weeks after Turnstile lead vocalist Brendan Yates’ father was attacked by ex-guitarist Brady Ebert, Bill Yates was at the band’s Coachella set in spirit.
During Turnstile’s opening night performance on Friday, Bill was one of several to sing their praises in pre-recorded videos that played on the giant screen at the Outdoor Theatre before the Baltimore-based rock group’s performance.
“I’m Bill Yates, I’m the proud father of Brendan. They’re all sons of mine,” he said. “They’ve been practicing at the house for about 13 years now. Just recently, they grew too big for the basement. And finally, after a dozen years practically, they’re at a point where, the larger the venue the better, because they just enjoy the energy. All the fans out there, we love you, and Turnstile loves you. And enjoy the ride.”
On Sunday, March 29, Ebert was arrested on charges of attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault after he allegedly drove into Bill outside the Yates family’s Silver Spring home, resulting in serious trauma to his legs.
Ebert was taken into custody, where he is being held without bond, due to the violent and targeted nature of the attack.
The Grammy-winning band told The Baltimore Banner in a statement that they “cut ties” with Ebert in 2022 following “a consistent pattern of harmful behavior affecting himself, the band and the community,” noting he “began threatening violence” at the time, and threats “escalated further” in recent months.
After William underwent successful surgery, the band said they are “hoping for the best possible outcome in his recovery,” adding, “We have no language left for Brady.”
The incident comes after Turnstile won their first two Grammy Awards in February, taking home Best Metal Performance for their song ‘Birds’ and Best Rock Album for Never Enough.
